Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-06-03

seemed an age. The roar and din OF
the elements only deepened the gloom
inside, where the uncertain kerosene
darkened the shadows.
Suddenly to my oyerstrained nerves,
the ccaseless clicking of the wires seemed
tn say: "Watch the box! Watch the
hos. Watch the box!" As particular
strain Of melody will at times repeat it
self in the mind, and obstinately keep
time to every movement, till one Is well
nigh distracted, so this refrain began to
enchain every sense: "Wateh the box
Watch the boxp Til; now my depressed
spirits were due only to the solitude and
the storm. No suspicion Of evil or dam
ger had tormented me.
Peering more closely into the dingy
corLer / saw only the pine box, with
what seemed to be square paper, or
placard, on the side facing me. Proba-
bly, the address, bungingly adjusted on
the side instead of the top, or else stain
of mud from t late rough side. At all
events, | was not curious enough to ap-
proach more nearly the ghostly visi-
tant.
The minutes had crept by, when a
muffled noise In the dark corner dis
tinctly sounded above the pelting rain
drops, while, as if 10 mock at my quick
ened fears, the wires continued their
monotonous warning: "Watch the box !
Watch the box! Watch the box!" L
did watch the box, and as by inspiration
l grasped the situation. There was in
deed man in the box, but not a dead
one. A living man, who had boldly
lent himself to plot to rob or murder
me, perhaps both.
l remembered the straggler who had
surprised me while at the safe, several
hours before. He had doubtless fol-
lowed Colonel Holloway and witnessed
the money transaction. Quick and fast
flew my thoughts in the startled en-
deavor to grasp some plan OF action.
Single handed L was no match for any
man, having recently recovered from
an attack of malarial fever. This one
in the box Gif indeed there was one)
must mean to secure his prize before the
train was due, and escape the conse-
quences. He must have accomplices,
and these were doubtless on watch,
waiting either to give or rec eive sig
nal. At least it was not probable that
he would undertake the job alone, and
the fact that he had confederates had
already appeared.
Perhaps the sight of my pistols had
delayed the attack. Perhaps some part
of their plan had miscarried and caused
delay. At all events must be cool. 1
fancied saw his eyes through the dark
patch on the box. was almost sure he
was slowly lifting the lid. There was
no help near, and much might be done
in the time still to elapse before the
train was due.
Quietly walking to the battery, l
feigned to take message. In reality
sent one to the conductor Of the oncom-
ing express, as the only device whereby
| could secure assistance, and this would
doubtless be too late. Yet ii was all that
| could do just now.
With every sense on the alert, arose
to secrete my keys if possible, when the
door burst open, and Frank Morris, my
future brother-in.la rushed in, fol-
lowed by huge dog that was Ellen's
special pet and attendant.
"Confound your said Frank, sputter-
ing about, and shaking himself vigor-
ously as the dog. "I'll be blowed IL
ever go on such another FOOLS errand
as this"
"Why, you are pretty well 'blowed'
now," / said, with poor attempt to be
funny, but immensely relieved. 81
never was so glad to see anybody In my
life !" and meant It,
"There it is," he said; "make much
of it." as he cleverly dipped little
white missive over to me. "Such bill
ing and cooling 1 never want TO see
again. Regular spoons, by Jove! Can't
90 to sleep till she knows you haven't
been melted, or washed away, or some-
thing. And Cato must come along to
see that her precious brother doesn't get
lost. Ugh! Lie down, over there, old
fellowv' Then to me he said: "Here,
help me out of this wet thing"
But was engrossed, just then, and
Kidding himself of the offending gar
ment, the broad-shouldered young
athlete strobe aboutin much impatience.
"Heavensl what nightp he ex-
claimed. "what time does your train
pass? Ten? Just three minutes. Iguess
I'll stay but we'll have that young
damsel floating down here If she doesn't
hear pretty soon. Hello, Cato! What's
the matter?" as the dog gave low
growl. "whars that in tlIe corner,
BoWen?"
The dog continued to growl and look
suspieiously about as the young fellow
ratified oil.
.That.H said, els dead man."
''Humph!' he laughed. "Jolly good
company for such night. say, Bowen,
you've got nice toy there" and he
took up tho pistol that lay ON tue table.
Mean while l had scrawled on piece Of
paper. which quietly placed near the
pistol: ''The man in the box is burg
lar. Be ready for an attack"
"oho. that's the camel" he said
aloud, and instantly strode across The
room, as CATO sprang up and barkee
furiously at the box. simultaneously